350i Handling

[nickhills2002]

I bought a 350i around 4 months ago and it is the most fun I have had on 4 wheels (used to into bikes but came off with my wife on board, so that particular avenue of pleasure has been shut off!)
One question: The handling is obviously very firm, but too such an extend that fast runs on un-even road surfaces can be almost impossible. Is this normal, or is there anything I can do to improve this?
If there isn't tough, I still love the car

Nick

[danny hoffman]

Apart from the obvious (knackered bushes and worn shocks), it is worth checking you haven't got any broken springs.

If you haven't got full history it is possible that someone has "upgraded" without you knowing.

It might be easiest to have ago in another wedge and see how yours compares

[Pettsie]

Have you got adjustable shocks? Mine has AVO's and when I got the car they were set on the hardest setting. made the car undrivable on normal bumpy roads.

My springs need replacement too as they are probably original. Then there are the track rod ends, steering column UJ and bulkhead bearing, wishbone bushes. Ah, the pleasure of wedge ownership!

[njhucker]

If the ride is very firm, then You will probably find your car has been upgraded with adjustables. As the standard ride is quite compliant.

I upgraded to AVO adjustables, and Peninsular set them up quite stiff. The car was not a pleasure to drive. Now have front set about half way, and the rear about a quarter. i find this the best setting for the road.

[350matt]

Something that made a marked difference on mine was fitting new anti-roll bar bushes ( the ones on the end of the bar) I'd ignored it for ages but spending a fiver for poly ones from tower view gave a good improvment over the rough stuff.
Also get a 4 alignment done / checked these cars are quite sensitive to geometry.

Matt